confi rming that both systems were fully operational, I cut the red wire from the receiver plug of one of the two ESC units to prevent too much voltage from going into the FMT. Then I plugged both ESC receiver leads into a Y harness, and plugged the Y harness into the jack on the FMT. I hadn’t fl own an electric-powered twin-motor CL (Control Line) model before, so I sought the advice of expert Dennis Adamisin, who engineered the electric-power conversion for the Brodak Tigercat. Dennis suggested that I set the FMT for 1 to 2 minutes for the initial fl ight, which would allow me to get a feel for the airplane before extending the fl ight times. He also suggested setting the FMT’s power dial to pull approximately 9,500 rpm out of the two Arrowind motors. I asked my friend, Phillip Adams,
to make the Tigercat’s maiden fl ight so that I could be free to handle the camera. We connected the Brodak .015 x 60-foot braided control lines
to the airplane’s leadouts and the Brodak control handle, and then we checked and double-checked the lines for twists and kinks. With Phillip at the handle, we
did the mandatory pull test, then I connected the two LiPo batteries to the ESCs and waited for Phillip’s ready signal. When it came, I hit the start button on the FMT, waited for the motors to spool up, and released the aircraft. The takeoff roll was smooth and
the Tigercat accelerated rapidly. Dennis had called the correct rpm range for the maiden fl ight. The model broke ground and Phillip coaxed it to roughly twice his height for a few laps—testing the elevator response with ever- increasing movements of his arm. The model pulled snugly on the lines, and when the FMT burped the motors after our 11
/2 -minute
preset, the F7F glided smoothly to a soft touchdown and a short, but sweet, rollout. I fl ew next and enjoyed the way
the Tigercat hung out at the end of the lines. There’s plenty of torque in those Arrowind 15s, and the elevator showed ample response for limited stunts. I’m more than a little rusty with a CL handle, so I didn’t attempt anything beyond a few easy wingovers. Despite my own shortcomings,
I’m confi dent that my EP Brodak F7F Tigercat would have no trouble with lazy eights, inside and outside loops, and inverted fl ight—even though it was intended for twin .15 glow fuel-powered engines and the “stunt-free” CL Navy Carrier event. In conclusion, I had an absolute
blast building and fl ying the Brodak F7F Tigercat, and recommend it as a top-shelf project for anyone interested in modeling this powerful Grumman warrior as an electric-powered CL project and an entertaining diversion from the typical RC model. The Tigercat is a fi rst-class kit from one of the hobby industry’s most trusted CL authorities.
The Brodak F7F Tigercat looks sharp while on the end of the lines. The motors deliver plenty of pull without dislocating your shoulder, so get ready for endless rounds of CL fun.
THEPARKPILOT.ORG 49
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